• Short length of the
appropriate size PVC pipe
• Two PVC couplers
•
Small can of PVC cement
• Small can of PVC primer
• 100 grit sandpaper
• Hacksaw or flexible wire saw
• Old rag

Instructions

Step #1: Be certain to completely turn off the water, if
need be. Even a small dribble of flowing water will weaken
the PVC cement we’ll use in Step #4. Wipe the pipe dry.

With a
pencil, mark three to four inches away from each side of
the damaged area. (See Photo #1.) That'll give you some
wiggle room to splice in the replacement pipe...
especially if you're working inside a wall.

Photo #1

Step #2: Cut out the damaged section of pipe. I like to
use a hacksaw or
PVC pipe cutter, but in tight situations you may
have to improvise. A rotary tool can be useful. Or, use a
flexible wire saw available at most hardware stores. (See
Photo #2.)

Photo #2

Once
you’ve removed the damaged section, sand and wipe off any
burrs that remain. If the pipe is dirty, clean the ends
with a bit of acetone dribbled on an old rag.

Step #3: Measure the distance between the broken pipe
ends that you’ve just cut. Next, determine the thickness
of the lip inside the couplers. (See Photo #3.)

Photo #3

Cut
the replacement pipe the length between the two pipe ends,
minus the width of the lips.

For
example, if the distance between ends is 6-inches, cut the
replacement pipe 5 3/4-inches to allow for each lip. (In
this example, the coupler lip is 1/8-inch... two lips =
1/4-inch. Lip thickness will vary.)

Step #4: Cement (or glue) the two couplers to each end of
the replacement pipe, following the directions on the PVC
cement can. It should like the one in Photo #4. You’re now
ready to attach the couplers to the ends of the broken
pipe.

Photo #4

Step #5: Cement one coupler to the end of one of the
broken pipes.

Apply
cement to the other broken pipe end and coupler. Then
quickly, carefully pull the pipe towards you and insert
the coupler.

TIP: If the pipe inside the
wall isn't free to wiggle back & forth, you’ll need to
cut the replacement pipe a smidge shorter... about enough
to position each coupler about half way onto each
end of the broken pipe. Insert one end of the replacement
pipe onto one end of the broken pipe, then quickly slide
the second coupler half way onto the other pipe.